All the smells, flavours and family fun of the festive season are on the menu at the fourth annual Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival in Cockermouth this weekend.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday there will be a packed producers’ market with 60 stalls, a hot food court with meals and snacks, and a bar brimming with ales and mulled wine from Jennings brewery.

There will also be plenty of family activities and festive entertainment, with a fairground and Christmassy arts and crafts for little foodies organised by Rainbow Jelly Productions.

On the Saturday, local traders will also be pushing the plastic-free message with a pop-up shop in The Hub in Market Place where food, toiletries and more will be available.

Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth has fantastic local support. This year the festival is organised in association with Allerdale Borough Council and Taste Cumbria and Cumbria Life magazines. Its main sponsors are Jennings Brewery, Cockermouth Town Council and The Coffee Kitchen.

There’s also the chance for festival visitors to win a hamper of goodies worth £1,500 in a massive prize draw thanks to the input of the town’s independent businesses. People can enter the draw for free by filling in a slip in participating shops, cafes and restaurants.

Councillor Alan Smith, leader of Allerdale Borough Council and a Cockermouth town councillor, said: “We support Taste Cumbria because of the proven positive impact the events have on the local economy. We’ve pledged to invest in festivals like this because they are good for business - not only do they bring smiles to people’s faces, but they showcase everything that our towns have to offer in terms of shopping, eating and entertainment.

“I hope people come here to visit the Taste Cumbria Christmas market, but also explore the independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants too.

“Cockermouth is such a great place to visit at this time of year and visitors will definitely be getting in the festive spirit. The Christmas lights are lit, the town’s fantastic businesses will be putting glowing lanterns in their doorways, the window displays look brilliant, and we’re looking forward to another great weekend.”

For more information visit www.tastecumbria.com, email carrie.buchanan@newsquest.co.uk or call 01228 612000.